The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1887-07-31
CRAZED WITH WHISKY.
A DRUNKEN GAMBLER ATTEMPTS
TO SHOOT JULIUS KAUFMANN.

An Attack one Drummer Leads to the
Arrest of Sam Titcomb and Charley
McAllister and the Former Draws
Knife in the Court Room-His Sub5e-
quent Attempt to Shoot the Arrest
ing officer.
Sam J. Titcomb, gambler by profession
got crazy drunk yesterday afternoon, and
last night at $50 O'Clock, made desperate
attempt to shoot Constable Julius Kaufman,
but the latter knocked him down before he
could draw his revolver and disarmed him.
Officer Rogers was in hearing, and he TOOK
Titcomb to the barracks This was the
outcome of row in the earlier part OF the
day in which Titcomb and friend were in
volved. About $50 p M, Isadore Fidelson
New York drummer selling I'M
brelas, went to E. L. Byck's tobacco store,
northwest corner of Drayton and Brough-
ton streets, and tried to sell one to MIR.
Byck. Sam j. Titcomb and Charles Nc
Allister were in the place and under the in
fuence Of liquor. Titcomb slyly took up
one Of the umbrellas and putting it under
his arm, as a joke, turned as if to go out.
A DESPERATE ASSAULT.
The umbrella vendor turned in sudden
anger, and jerked the umbrella from
under his arm. Titcomb was angered
at this, and turning quickly dealt
Fidelson a powerful blow on the jaw, knock
ing him back against the counter, and he
followed up this attack by others. McAllis-
ter endeavored to join in the fray, but Mr..
BycE kept him from interfering, and finally
separated TitcOmb and FidelsOn and pre-
vailed on McAlister and Titcombe to leave
the place Fidelsou then went to Justice
Naughtin's and obtained warrant for their
arrest. Constable Kaufman arrested the
two men and brought them to the office
They both went with the officer willingly
till the Office was reached, when Titcombe
became unruly. He swore no one should take
him to jail-some one would be killed first.
Mr.. Kaufman replied that if he had a com
mitment he Q<aufmannl would execute it.
Titcomb became greatly exaspcrated at
this and drew knife, but the officer was
on the alert and disarmed him at once.
Titcomb was then seated rather violently
aud told to behave himself. He obeyed, but
still continued to curseKaufmann and threat
en- to do him up when he got free again.
HE BOUGHT A REVOLVER.
Justice Naughtin heard the complaint
and held the two men in bonds of $500 each
for their appearance at the November term.
Both left the office with friends, two going
with Ttcomb to endeaVor to get him
home, but he eluded them after a little
while and returned down town. Going into
a store near BroughtOn street, he pur-
chased a tive-shot, self-cOcking Smith q
Wesson, 32-calibre revolver, and n box of
cartridges. Going then to Byck's cigar
store he exhibited the weapon and said it
was to shoot Kaufman, whom he character
lied as " @ Dutchman, y
and cursed him roundly. Word was sent over
to Kaufmanns saloon, across the street. for
him to look out for Titcomb, as he was
fighting drunk and had threatened to shoot
him. Meanwhile, Kaufman had left the
Justices office and had arrived at the res
taurant a few minutes before the warning
was received.
CHOKED ALMOST TO DEATH.
Titcomb shortly after started out of the
cigar store, and walked across the street.
Kaufman was then standing in front of his
restaurant, talking to one or two parties.
Titcomb walked up to within ten feet of
him and drawing his pistol from the bosom
Of his vest, attempted to level it at Kauf-
mann, saying, Now, - -, I've got
you, and I'll give you -" Kauf-
mann saw him approaching and
as Titcomb drew his revolver he
leaped forward, caught him around the
neck, threw him to the sidewalk and dis
armed him Holding him down he choked
him nearly senseless, and pounded his head
on the pavement Several of the bystanderS
interfered, and as Officer Rogers came along
he and Mr.. Kaufman carried Titcomb tC
the barracks, where he was committed on g
charge of assault with intent to murder.
The affair caused great excitement at the
time, and crowd of 100 or moro quickly
gathered at the spot. For hours afterward
dozens fingered around giving details of the
fracas to the newly arrived, and talking
over the details of the muSs.
HE MEANT BUSINESS.
Titcomb is said to be fine fellow, barring
his profession, when sober, and is well liked.
Whisky makes iiend of him and he il
then very quarrelsome. His friends were
very busy last evening. and steps Were al
once taken by them to help him. The case
will be heard Monday, and meanwhile he
will be confined at the barracks.
Had it not been for Constable Kaufmann'S
vigilance and quickness, consequent on hi:
timely warning, he probably would have
been killed, as it was said that Ttcomb is q
good marksman, and that he meant bushes;
when he started for Kaufman. Titcomt
left a box of cartridges at the cigar store
showing more plainly by inference that he
bought the weapon for this sole purpose
and that he relied on the load it contained